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Debit Cards

Debit and prepaid debit cards provide convenient and secure payment options for consumers, allowing easy access to funds without the risk of accruing debt.

Explore debit card basics

Smiling businessman making payment with credit card
Debit cards can offer additional perks to help you save more of your money.
Man paying with credit card while shopping with woman at supermarket
Debit cards and prepaid cards can be used similarly, but debit cards tend to have fewer fees.
woman sitting on her couch and looking at her phone and credit card
Knowing your limit before making a purchase can help you make smarter decisions.

Use your debit card wisely

DEBIT

Where to avoid using your debit card

Just because you can use your debit card almost anywhere doesn’t mean you always should. Bankrate's experts keep you informed on the risky places to avoid swiping your debit card.

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Checking

Daily ATM withdrawal limits

It's important to know how much you can withdraw from your bank's ATMs in a given day to help you better handle financial emergencies that require cash.

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Available account balance vs. current balance

Understand the differences between the two balances you may see when looking at your bank account.

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BANKING

Checking account and ATM fee study

Maintaining a checking account with a debit card can come at a high cost. Learn how rising ATM fees and other banking fees are impacting consumers.

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Experts in all things banking

Our expert writers and editors bring you timely news and reliable information - backed by data and first-hand experience.

About Bankrate's team
Greg McBride

Greg McBride, CFA Arrow Right Icon

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

Man renting a car at Hertz
Most rental car companies make you take extra steps to rent with a debit card.
Man paying with credit card while shopping with woman at supermarket
Debit cards and prepaid cards can be used similarly, but debit cards tend to have fewer fees.
Woman banking
Follow these tips for the lowest fees and highest rates when opening an account.
Pedestrians walking by TD Bank
Learn about the benefits of having multiple bank accounts and what to look for.
image of people lined up outside of silicon valley bank
Watch for these money headaches if your bank fails and no other bank takes over.
man buying concessions at the movie theatre
Prepaid cards can be used to make purchases, but you only have access to preloaded money.
person holding phone and debit card and appears stressed
Vivian Thornton received quite a shock when she logged onto her bank account and noticed an unfamiliar debit charge for concert tickets totaling more than $2,000. In fact, the hefty charge had brought [...]
A person takes a picture of a check.
Depositing a check using a smartphone is easy and can save you a trip to the bank.
Young smiling woman using mobile phone while working on a laptop at a cafe
Mobile apps make managing your money a snap and mobile alerts can help protect it.
A young man uses an ATM.
Over time, ATM fees have climbed. Here’s what you need to know.
Family looking at their finances.
Early access to direct deposited funds can make managing your budget a bit easier.
close-up of a hand holding a cell phone
The person-to-person payment tool can allow for easy transactions to friends, family and more.
person signing a check
Looking to save money when ordering checks? Consider getting them online instead. Here’s how.
Person looking on computer, with dog.
Here’s everything you need to know about the specialty consumer reporting agency.
A woman writes a check
A bounced check is something that should be avoided. Here’s what you need to know.
Man and women looking at a computer and smiling
If you’re considering a rewards checking account, here’s what you need to know.
Easy mornings and working from home for this couple
Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
Senior couple sitting at the kitchen table looking at digital tablet and recalculating their expenses.
Consider a savings account with an APY above the inflation rate.
couple with bank worker
Many of these banks offer low-fee accounts and higher yields than some of the biggest banks.
Couple looking at laptop while sitting on sofa at home
As the Fed is cutting interest rates, consider these certificates of deposit (CDs)
Cropped shot of a businessman using his computer in his home office
Find out which CD term is best for your financial goals in a lower rate environment.
Man working on laptop and cellphone simultaneously
If you’ve been thinking of getting a longer-term CD, you may want to make a move.
Young Asian woman using smartphone while relaxing on armchair, checking her bank account via online banking and managing her finances. Online personal banking. Wealth management. Digital banking habits. Smart banking with technology
Know the two major benefits of opening a CD now, even as interest rates decline.
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Wondering what to do when it comes to saving during a recession? Here’s what the experts have to say.
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